During my morning commute, I reflected on the Independence Day fireworks my oldest son and I had watched the night before. I couldn’t help but relive the excitement of my five-year-old sitting on my shoulders as he cheered at the fireworks excitedly calling, “Daddy look at that one. Ooooohhh, that’s a good one…laugh, laugh…whoa… that was big.” My heart had been warmed at his innocence and joy.

I also felt a sense of pride, reminiscing about my family coming to America and what July 4th means to me. Is pride sinful? A quick Bible read reveals that pride is a problem and is rendered negatively. Yet if used for the right reason, pride can be a good thing. I take pride in my wife being a good mother; I take pride in my Lord knowing that He cares for me.

Before the fireworks had started, the event organizers had called for a moment of silence to remember all those who had fought for America’s freedom. That pause symbolized our respect and pride, honoring the men, women, sung and unsung heroes who gave their lives for our freedom. Yet, respect was not evident. People talked, laughed. No silence…noise everywhere!

I thought about another group who lacked respect. “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark...” (Matthew. 24:38). No thought was given to the awesome event about to take place. The God of the universe planned a miracle, yet the scoffers didn’t pause to consider it.
Taking for Granted

Many of the people, who did not take a quiet moment to honor their heroes…the ones who fought for the very freedoms they came there to celebrate, were taking their their freedoms for granted?

Then I pondered Sabbaths at church. Some people converse in the back of the sanctuary competing with the speaker. Have worshippers lost their respect and pride? Now, I confess, I’ve contributed to the noise at times. But God says, “You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:30). Where is our time of silence for our Hero who saved us from sin? Where is our respect and honor for Him or the one who is speaking about Him?

My reflection has led me to challenge myself to show my respect, honor and most of all…my pride for the ultimate Hero who fought a vicious war to save me from the ultimate villain.